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Few things match the sense of satisfaction derived from picking tree-ripened fruit from your own tree. When deciding on the type of fruit to grow, sweet and luscious red plums should be at the top of your list. Among the many varieties, most belong to a group called Japanese plums (Prunus salycina), trees that generally grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 10, depending on the variety.

Site and Soil

Red plum trees usually reach a height at maturity of 15 to 20 feet and need room to spread their branches. If you're planting more than one tree, space them about 18 to 22 feet apart. Most plums bloom in early spring, when the flowers might be damaged by a cold snap. If you live in an area that could experience spring frost, plant your tree in a warm, sunny spot, such as near the south-facing side of a building or on a slope, where cold air can drain to lower areas. Plums are tolerant of most types of soil as long as it is deep enough for the roots to expand and drains well. The fall before planting, it's a good idea to test your soil and, if necessary, adjust its pH to between 6.0 and 6.5.

Fertilizer

Young plum trees benefit from regular fertilization, although you should not fertilize a newly planted tree until it has been in the ground for about six weeks. The first year, use 1 cup of a granular 10-10-10 formula, scattering it over an area about 3 feet in diameter under the tree. In mid-May and again in mid-July, spread about 1/2 cup of calcium nitrate or ammonium nitrate beneath your tree to give it a boost of nitrogen. The following year, start a program of twice-yearly feeding. In early March, apply 1 cup of 10-10-10 fertilizer for each year of tree age, up to a total of 12 cups. In August, apply 1 cup of calcium or ammonium nitrate per year of tree age, but don't use more than 6 cups in a single feeding.

Mulch and Pruning

Keeping a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch on the ground under a plum tree helps retain soil moisture and also keeps weeds under control. Apply mulch annually, adding it in early spring and renewing it as it breaks down during the growing season. Pruning also helps a plum tree grow well and produce a heavy crop of fruit. Prune in winter to reduce the likelihood of disease or pests at freshly cut sites. The overall goal of pruning a plum tree is to help it develop a vase-like shape, with an open center and outer, spreading branches. This is best accomplished by removing upright-growing central branches and cutting outer branches back by about one-third each year, making cuts at an outward-facing bud to encourage a spreading shape.

Red Varieties

With the dozens of red plum variates, you have plenty of choice. "Methley" is a good example, a self-fruitful tree with plums that are mottled purple and red on their exteriors and have juicy red flesh. "Bruce" is another good choice, known for the large size of its red plums. "Burbank" also produces abundant red plums, as does "Ozark Premiere," which is a hybrid developed by crossing "Burbank" and "Methley." "Burbank," "Bruce" and "Ozark Premiere" require another Japanese tree, such as "Methley," for pollination and good fruit production.

About the Author

Joanne Marie began writing professionally in 1981. Her work has appeared in health, medical and scientific publications such as Endocrinology and Journal of Cell Biology. She has also published in hobbyist offerings such as The Hobstarand The Bagpiper. Marie is a certified master gardener and has a Ph.D. in anatomy from Temple University School of Medicine.